Not so bad, although a lot of conservatives love rock and roll, are not terribly prudish, and see few movies they would itch to sensor.
The ultimate difference between libertarians and conservatives is that conservatives accept the idea of the common good, and look to the institutions of government to promote it. In instances where the common good would be enhanced by deregulation and lower taxes, conservatives promote those policies. In instances where the common good is enhanced by "socialization", that is, spreading the costs of desirable things, such as fire stations and roads, conservatives will support those policies. In instances where there is substantial controversy over what conduces to the common good, for example, liberal or restrictive immigration, they will fight amongst themselves.
The difference between liberals and conservatives is that liberals are ambitious social engineers, and basically have a problem with prevailing institutions and cultural norms. Conservatives dislike social engineering per se, and mostly support prevailing institutions and cultural norms. That does not mean that they are against all reform, but respect most of their heritage. Reactionaries, of course, are a different matter, and tend to be radically alienated...... |
